Ethnomethodology - Common Sense Explained

 

Ethnomethodology is a sociological approach that studies how people use common sense and interaction to create and maintain social order in their everyday lives. Developed by Harold Garfinkel, it focuses on the "methods" people use to make sense of their social world rather than assuming social structures pre-exist. Key concepts include indexicality (meaning being context-dependent) and reflexivity (how social actions shape and are shaped by the situation), often explored through detailed observation and "breaching experiments" that deliberately disrupt social norms.

Core concepts

Indexicality: The idea that the meaning of expressions and actions is dependent on the context in which they occur. For example, "good morning" has a different meaning depending on the relationship and tone of voice.

Reflexivity: The process where people's actions and their interpretations of those actions both influence and are influenced by each other. Social order is continuously produced and reproduced through this process.

Accountability: The method people use to make their actions and the actions of others understandable and reasonable to themselves and others.

Research methods

Detailed observation: Ethnomethodologists closely analyze natural social interactions, such as conversations and gestures, to see how people work together to create social order.

Video recordings: Using video is a preferred method because it allows researchers to replay and analyze interactions in fine detail, ensuring accuracy.

Breaching experiments: Researchers deliberately break social norms to see how people react and attempt to restore a sense of order. For example, a study might involve someone behaving unusually in a crowded elevator.

Goals of the approach

To reveal the "taken-for-granted" practices and rules that are fundamental to everyday life.

To understand how people actively produce their social reality, rather than just being passive subjects of it.

To offer an alternative perspective to traditional sociology, which may rely more on theoretical models or statistical analysis.

References

https://share.google/7Kk3ZheiwPtiL6at5

https://share.google/YuntPjRNl190C3Zls

https://share.google/JVMkiRECRF1lPTeOr

To be continued....

• Case Study of Ethnomethodology
• Case Study link between Ethnomethodology and Narcissism.